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Adam, the Serpent, and Eve

The legend of Lilith, Adam’s first wife, was popular in Medieval and Renaissance Europe. In the legend, Lilith is Adam's first wife, created at the same time and from the same clay as Adam as in Gen 1:27. After she refused to be subservient, Eve was created from one of Adam's ribs in Gen 2:22. Lilith returns as a serpent and gives Eve the apple from the Tree of Knowledge.

Although this story is not in the Bible, the legend of Lilith was so popular that her image was worked into many artworks including the Sistine Chapel and Notre Dame Cathedral. This relief shows Eve passing the apple to Adam after having been given the fruit by Lilith. This vignette is the base of a full sculpture of the Virgin Mary on the left side of the West Façade of Notre Dame.

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